D-Cut Lens Notch for Mobile Camera Flare Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In camera modules, especially in mobile devices, strong light incident at certain angles causes inner surface reflections from lens barrel surfaces, leading to flare and ghost phenomena due to light unrelated to image formation, which are undesirable and difficult to prevent as devices become smaller and thinner.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lens module with a D-cut lens and a notch in the lens barrel, where the D-cut lens overlaps the image sensor, and the notch is strategically placed to reduce light reflection by allowing incident light to be directed outside, thereby minimizing flare and ghost effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera module is miniaturized to reduce device size, then the mobile device becomes smaller and thinner, but inner surface reflection from lens rib surfaces causes flare and ghost phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful reflected light paths by introducing notches in the lens barrel that specifically block light reflecting from the inner surfaces of lens ribs. The notches are positioned to extract only the harmful reflected rays while allowing useful light to pass through to the image sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens barrel is segmented by introducing notches that divide the inner surface into regions that allow useful light transmission and regions that block harmful reflections. The notches create distinct zones within the lens barrel structure to selectively manage light paths.
2Reliability
If anti-reflection measures are added to prevent flare and ghost phenomena, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflection function is merged into the existing lens barrel structure through notches that are integrated with the lens mounting architecture. The same lens barrel that holds the lenses also incorporates the notches for blocking reflections, combining structural support and optical control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The notches are strategically positioned at specific locations on the lens barrel where harmful reflections occur, applying the anti-reflection measure only where needed rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach maintains simplicity while effectively addressing the reflection problem.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively reduces the occurrence of flare and ghost phenomena by ensuring that reflected light is not formed on the image sensor, enhancing image quality and allowing for the miniaturization of camera modules without compromising optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
a straight line portion of a D-cut lens, of the one or more D-cut lenses, overlaps an image sensor for imaging light passing through the plurality of lenses
Implementation Method 2
light of a particular angle produces inner surface reflection from a lens rib surface accommodated in the lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device and lens module including a lens barrel and a plurality of lenses sequentially stacked from an object side to an image side in the lens barrel, wherein the plurality of lenses includes one or more D-cut lenses having respective straight line rim portions, and wherein a straight line portion of a D-cut lens, of the one or more D-cut lenses, overlaps an image sensor for imaging light passing through the plurality of lenses.